Safety Tips for San Diego Residents Traveling to Mexico

Taking a trip south of the border is a great way to escape for a weekend vacation or a longer sight seeing journey. You may hear a lot of things about Mexico, some of it true some of it not. But if you plan on visitingse caution, as you would when visiting any country, is always recommended. Do some research before your trip about where you will go and what the culture is like in the area in which you will travel. Follow these tips for a safe trip into and out of Mexico.

• Always check with the U.S. Department of State for any current travel advisors.

•  Remember that you will now need a valid passport. This has been in effect since June 1, 2009. Any children under the age of 18 who are accompanying you will need written permission from both parents or one legal guardian with supporting documentation.

•  You are welcome to take your pet with you as long as you provide rabies documentation beforehand.

•  Always secure Mexican auto insurance if you plan to drive in Mexico. It is available for about $12 per day for shorter trips and will be very beneficial if you are involved in an accident across the border.

•  Contact the US consulate if you encounter legal trouble. Program the number into your cell phone before you go.

•  Consider being vaccinated against hepatitis A and typhoid before going. Because these illnesses can be transmitted through contaminated food and water sources, vaccination can easily protect you from infection.

•  Never drink and drive or drink on the streets. It is illegal. If you are caught drinking and driving, your insurance will be deemed invalid.

•  While enjoying your vacation destination, be aware of your surroundings and never give out personal information. Be mindful of room keys and other personal possessions at all times.

•  Do not bring a firearm into the country.

•  You will likely not be able to use a cell phone while traveling through Baja California. Cell phones work with cell towers, and Baja California is very much Mexico’s outback. Be aware of your service’s roaming charges for other parts of Mexico.
•  Motorcyclists should remember that Mexico has a helmet law.

•  Trips lasting longer than 7 days will require an FM-T tourist permit. You can obtain these at the border and pay for them at any bank in Mexico.

•  Carry extra gas. This will provide for any unforeseen circumstances. It may also take longer than anticipated to cross the border from Mexico back into the US.

• • Drive the speed limit. Remember that the speed limits will be indicated in kilometers, not miles in Mexico.

•  Carry small change for toll fees.  Here are the tolls for Baja California as of 2009:
  • Playas de Tijuana – $26 Pesos (appx US $2.00)
  • Rosarito – $26 Pesos (appx US $2.00)
  • Ensenada – $29 Pesos (appx US $2.20)
  • Tijuana to Tecate – $75 Pesos (appx US$5.75)
  • Tecate to Mexicali – $150 Pesos (appx US $11.50 and a total of 4 toll booths)

•  If no one in your party speaks Spanish, consider downloading a translation app or carrying a Spanish to English dictionary.

•  Research the Green Angels. This group rides through tourist thoroughfares and will provide assistance to visitors around the clock. You can also call them for assistance on the roads in the Baja region if you have a satellite phone. Emergency numbers are listed on the sides of the road intermittently.

Have a safe and happy trip traveling to Mexico!